22 things I wish I would have known before my mission

Let's get personal for a minute, guys. Yesterday, I received a call from my brother Cooper who has been waiting for nearly a year for his discharge papers from the military. They had finally come. After literally, years of waiting, Cooper can finally turn in his mission papers. #itsahugedeal Well today is his 22nd birthday. …

Prepare to serve: a place for missionaries

I've been reminiscing about the mission today. One of the things that has surprised me the most is how much I've been able to help others after my mission BECAUSE of my mission. This blog has been incredible. I've met so many people on their journey to missionary service. As I've chatted with you and …

What my mission president taught me about Jesus Christ

A parable. #itsagoodone Last week Eric Whitlock and I went to our mission reunion. I guess now is a good time to let that cat out of the bag. Yes, I met my sweet husband on my mission. How awkward this is. To write a blog to a gaggle of future sister missionaries and admit …

Share the gospel and sometimes, use words

Hi. It's been awhile. I'm actually so embarrassed I'm blushing. A little. I've been busy adjusting to life in Rexburg. Eric Whitlock and I moved up here three months ago, but it feels like it's been eight hundred days. It's been good though. And cold. Oh, so cold. #thisisouterdarkness But Spring is finally coming. I …

How I’m trying to ‘bind my wandering heart to thee’

I am tired. My back and neck ache. My soul is weary. My eyes feel droopy. My mind. Oh, my mind is ready for a break. To not think, just be. I often times find myself pondering about mortality. It has always intrigued me that I am living in a sea of weakness. Its waves …

Satan doesn’t love you: A word to missionaries who return home early

You. Are. Great. I feel like we should get that out in the open now. So throw away whatever hangup you have, whatever 'but,' whatever disbelief. And believe what I'm saying. Let's talk about the f-word for a minute. Failure. Here's a newsflash. At some point in your beautiful, crazy life, you. will. fail. Absolutely …

Here’s what Christmas is like as a missionary

More than ever this Christmas, I have felt the small, quiet beckoning, “Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem.” Come to humility. Come to grace. Come to rest from all your burdens. Come to partake of the goodness of God. But it hasn’t been easy. Pride is my greatest weakness. Yet I long to …

Called to serve: The right road

One of the most exciting things for me is learning about friends who have decided to go on a mission. There's something about people you love experiencing wonderful things that makes you feel closer with them. A week or so ago, I found out my friend Katie Ardmore had decided to serve. Katie and I …

What Imagine Dragons taught me about eternity

Dear friends, This post is not about missionary work. And yet, it's entirely about missionary work. I hope you take what you need from this snapshot of my life as we all seek to follow Christ more perfectly. This post is for the Hansen family. I became a journalist because of love. Love of storytelling, …

What a trip to the ER taught me about companionship unity

This morning Eric and I woke up late as usual. And by late I mean just enough time for Eric to get out the door in the nick of time. As he ran up the stair I had a thought. Eric! What? Be safe, okay? Okay. My husband does restoration construction and while I always …

Women and the Priesthood: I am opposed.

I haven’t written in a while. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but simply because I couldn’t find the words. Women and the priesthood. #letstalkaboutit This subject, as my husband will attest to you, has brought me to tears on more than one occasion. It troubles me deeply, and I am highly opposed …